Microsoft virus scammers - the virus prompted to call and said my laptop had a virus and downloaded

The behavior described matches a known tech support scam, not legitimate Microsoft support.

Key points:

1. Microsoft does not cold‑call or send pop‑ups with phone numbers

• Microsoft will never call to say a device has a virus unless support was contacted first.
• Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number to call. Any pop‑up in Microsoft Edge or Windows 10 that tells to call a number for “Microsoft support” or “Windows Defender/Microsoft Defender” is a scam.

2. How these scams typically work

• A malicious or compromised website shows a full‑screen pop‑up claiming the device is infected, sometimes with audio, and may appear to lock the browser.
• The message urges to call a “support” number.
• When called, the scammer pretends to be from Microsoft, claims all devices are infected, and tries to:
  • Get remote access to the computer.
  • Install software (which can be malware or tools for later access).
  • Collect personal or financial information.
  • Charge a fee or sell a fake “support subscription.”

3. What to do immediately

• If the browser is “frozen” by a pop‑up:
  • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del → open Task Manager → end all browser processes (for example, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, etc.). This closes the fake page.
• Do not call any number shown in a pop‑up or give any codes the page displays.
• Do not allow remote access or install any software at the scammer’s request.
• If software was installed or remote access was granted:
  • Uninstall anything that was installed at their direction.
  • Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
  • Apply all Windows and security updates.
  • Change passwords for important accounts (email, banking, Microsoft account) and monitor for unusual activity.
  • If any payment was made, contact the bank or card issuer and explain it may have been a tech support scam.

4. How to get legitimate help and report the scam

• For real Microsoft support, always start from official Microsoft support pages, not from phone numbers in pop‑ups or unsolicited calls.
• Report the scam to Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam.
• Suspicious or unsafe websites can be reported in Microsoft Edge via Settings and More → Help and Feedback → Report unsafe site.
• For urgent financial or identity concerns, also contact local law enforcement or relevant authorities.

5. How to avoid these scams in the future

• Treat all unsolicited calls claiming to be from Microsoft as scams; hang up.
• If a message claims to be from Microsoft and includes a phone number, assume it is fraudulent.
• Use Microsoft Edge with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen enabled and keep Windows 10 and Microsoft Defender Antivirus up to date.

References:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Tech support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• What's new in Windows Security
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• why can't you block AnyTech365.com....they are a scam company posing as Microsoft supported, stealing information? - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A
• Email from M!CROSOFT - Microsoft Q&A